Australian resource and mineral processing technology company TNG Limited (ASX: TNG) has made significant progress with the registration process to trade mark the name of its first titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment as “TNG360”.
Since announcing the commencement of the trade mark registration process for its TNG360 TiO2 pigment in March 2019, the company has been able to progress and secure its registration in a number of key countries including Australia, European Union, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the USA.
A trade mark is an effective communication tool and an asset creating long-term value for TNG. TNG360 will be recognisable globally and will distinguish TNG’s TiO2 pigment from competitors.
TNG360 will be the first grade of titanium dioxide pigment produced by the Company targeting the paint and coatings market and will highlight the uniqueness of TNG’s TiO2 pigment, which uses a new source of feedstock, titanomagnetite, processed via the company’s proprietary TIVAN hydrometallurgical processing technology.
The low iron content of the feedstock will also minimise the environmental impact compared to traditional titanium pigment production processes. This represents an important competitive advantage for TNG as this is a key issue for customers in meeting their sustainable development targets.
The Company subsequently intends to develop a larger product portfolio to target the plastics, cosmetics and pharma industries.
Additionally, TNG has patented its novel TIVAN Process in several locations globally providing further protection as one of the company’s core pieces of intellectual property developed during the evaluation of its 100%-owned Mount Peake Vanadium-Titanium-Iron Project.
Managing Director and CEO, Paul Burton, said the patented process provides for the extraction of vanadium, titanium and iron from their ores in commercial grades and quantities.
The company has also submitted additional applications for the registration of a patent relating to optimisations for “TIVAN – A method for preparing a leach feed material” to a number of countries/regions, including Australia, Canada, China, European Patent Convention, Russia Federation, the United States of America and Vietnam.
TNG owns the trademark “TIVAN®”, which is already registered in Australia, Canada, China, European Community, Madrid Protocol, Russian Federation and South Africa.
TNG’s global patent and trademark processes are being managed by the Perth office of national patent attorneys and IP lawyers, WRAYS.
“The registration of the trade mark of TNG’s TiO2 pigment product, TNG360, provides a solid foundation for the Company’s intellectual property position worldwide while also ensuring that our unique, high-value product will be recognisable globally and distinguished from our competitors,” Mr Burton said.
“The TNG360 trademark and the patented TIVAN Process are fundamental components of the company’s overall development strategy, which are expected to create long-term value for TNG and potentially generate significant returns for our shareholders.”
